PlayStation 3 Firmware Update 2.17 Now Up

We've turned on our PlayStation 3's to notice that a new firmware update is now available, and it's firmware version 2.17. I'm installing it now, and it didn't tell me any changes beforehand. We will update you when we find out whats new in this firmware. Remember, it could be nothing.

Update: No in-game XMB, no Home either, to clear it out for everyone. Looking across the XMB and menus, I couldn't really find anything new. If you discover something, let us know.

Update #2: Sony has updated us on their official blog stating that if you want to know what the update was all about, "the operating stability of some online PS3 titles has been improved."

Grand Theft Auto IV: Package #4 Screenshots

The newest Grand Theft Auto IV pacakge was sent out and received today from Rockstar Games. The new package contained a T-Shirt advertising Chihuahua Hotdogs, probably a hotdog joint in the game, and two new screenshots. While screenshots are always welcome, just release some in-game footage already Rockstar. Enjoy!

[Hidden Package #4 - new screenshots and goodies]

EIEIO 2008: Section 8 Mini-Details

At this years EIEIO conference, TimeGate Studios showed some of their "not even pre-alpha" title, Section 8. The title is coming out for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC Q3 2009, so we have a long wait.

The name, Section 8, stands for a military code for a psychologically-motivated discharge.

The respawning in this game works by picking an area in your control that you want to "burn in" (respawn). Your characters have jet packs that allow you to soften your landing when you burn in. If you crash down at top speed, your shields will decrease. It may be possible to use your flying body as a projectile weapon and launch yourself at enemies and such. Sounds exciting.

[EIEIO 08: Section 8 details fall from the sky]

SEGA Trademarks Sonic Unleashed

SEGA seems to have trademarked the name Sonic Unleashed, stating that it applies to "video game software [and] computer game programs." It's Sonic, why would it not? Anyway, could this be the second nex-gen Sonic the Hedgehog game? If so, let's hope it's much better than the first.

[Sonic Unleashed Trademarked By Sega]

Fatal Inertia EX Listed for PlayStation 3 Under ESRB

A new ESRB listing has shown a sign of hope for Fatal Inertia on the PlayStation 3. What was originally supposed to be an exclusive is now showing up on the PlayStation 3 as Fatal Inertia EX. Fatal Inertia didn't do so well on the Xbox 360. Hopefully this new EXTREME version will correct all the faults the Xbox 360 version gave and hopefully it will regain is credits as a good futuristic racer.

[ESRB lists 'Fatal Inertia EX' for PS3]

Rainbow Six Vegas 2: Night Vision Trailer

Ubisoft released a new trailer today for Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 coming to stores at the end of this month. The new trailer showcases the night vision ability, along with some sharp shooting as well. Enjoy!

Lost Planet Colonies Not Coming to PlayStation 3, Slap in the Face

A while back, Capcom announced at their Gamer's Day that they are bringing Lost Planet: Extreme Condition to the PlayStation 3, as an apology for moving development of Monster Hunter 3 off the PlayStation 3 and to the Nintendo Wii. The game, which was released last month, contained all the additional content as well as some new content.

Now, Capcom has slapped PlayStation 3 owners in the face. They've announced Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition. This contains multiplayer cross-play with the PC, along with new game modes and more such as Score Attack, Trial Battle Mode, and Off Limit Mode.

The addition content from the PlayStation 3 port of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition such as Luka, Frank West, Mega Man, and all the downloadable maps will be in Colonies as well.

New multiplayer modes will be present as well such as Akrid Hunter VS Annihlaator, CounterGrab, Point Snatcher, Akrid Egg Battle, and Egg Bandit. Four new multiplayer maps named Crossfire City, Area 921, Lost Arenan, and Assault Space will be available as well. New character models such as two new females, two new robots, and five other models have been added as well. A bunch of new weapons alongside those features. The game is launching at $29.95.

The catch is, that it's only coming to the Xbox 360 and PC. Please, tell me that isn't the biggest slap in the face that you've ever read to PlayStation 3 owners. For those who don't know, they released the (really bad, half-assed) PlayStation 3 version as an apology at a "budget price" of $40 last month with less content than this new edition.

[Previews: Lost Planet Colonies]

Rockstar Working on New Max Payne Game for PS3 & Xbox 360

Sources are saying that Rockstar is currently working on Max Payne 3 to be released in 2009 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This will probably launch along with the movie.

This may have been the sequel for the big franchise that was mentioned sometime yesterday.

[Rockstar Working On New Max Payne For Xbox 360, PS3]

Folklore Developers Developing a Game Based on a 'popular Hollywood film'

Game Republic, creators of the PlayStation 3 exclusive titles, Folklore, Toy Home, and Dark Mist, have signed a deal with Brash Entertainment today.

The deal entitles them to produce a game on a "popular Hollywood film", and should be released in 2010 on unannounced platforms. Brash has put out games like Jumper & Alvin & the Chipmunks, but now with Game Republic developing, I think we can expect something good.

[Game Republic developing a game based on a 'popular Hollywood film']

PlayStation Home Beta Ending in May?

According to one member's PlayStation Beta page, the Closed Beta for Home will be ending on May 15, 2008. The date isn't much, but it could be when we should expect the actual Home release, or an Open Beta.

Update: I've received an e-mail from a close friend of mine who is in the beta that this is in fact correct, the date at least.

[PlayStation Home Beta Ends In May?]

Over 50 Studios Download Gamebryo for PS3

Emergent Game Technologies have announced that over fifty PlayStation 3 development studios have downloaded Gamebyro since it launched on the PS3 DevNet on February 17, 2008.

"Emergent has done some real breakthrough work in creating technology that streamlines development, supports multiple genres and puts creative control back into the hands of PS3 development teams," said Emergent CEO Geoffrey Selzer.

"Gamebryo represents a refreshing, new approach to game development – one that brings to bare a flexible, modular, foundational platform that easily integrates with a studio’s proprietary technology, is consistent with current game developers' work flow, and maximizes SPUs of PS3.

"This empowers game developers to make their own creative mark with each title in any genre."

Gamebryo has been used in games like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Fallout 3, so lets see what other wonders it can produce on the console.

[More than 50 studios download Gamebryo for PS3]

Motorstorm 2 Is Coming This Fall: Teaser Trailer

Well, here it is, what we have been waiting for. The official Motorstorm 2 teaser trailer was released today, and it's looking gorgeous (it's all CG by the way).

"The MotorStorm style of anything-goes racing is moving from the mountainous desert to a lush Pacific island, replete with thick swamps, dense jungle, towering peaks and steaming volcanoes. You’ll be rampaging through thick mud, tangled undergrowth, swift flowing rivers, and searing lava pools of this new location with all of the vehicles familiar to players of the first MotorStorm: ATVs, rally cars, buggies, motorbikes, race trucks, mudpluggers and Big Rigs. Joining the cast is the new monster truck class, likely to become a fan favorite (check out the video below)."

Some of the other features include 16 new multi-route tracks, 16 plyaers online, and a 4-player spli-screen mode. That should make us happy.

[Coming This Fall: MotorStorm 2]

New Street Fighter IV Character Leaked: El Fuerte

A new piece of artwork from this week's pre-newsstand issue of Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu, shows us a new Street Fighter IV character named "El Fuerte." He is a Lucha Libre wrestler as you can tell from the picture, but that is all we know.

[New Street Fighter IV Character Leaked!]

Kung Fu Panda: Three New Screenshots

Activision and Luxoflux Corp. officially released three new screenshots of their upcoming game, Kung Fu Panda. The game is based on the movie, which is in making by the creators of Shrek. Enjoy!

Rockstar to Release "Major Sequel" in 2009

From the Take-Two Interactive Conference Call, Rockstar told Gamasutra that they are going to be releasing at least one major sequel in 2009.

Asked where Rockstar might be headed now that production of Grand Theft Auto IV was winding down, company execs said that in addition to the Xbox 360 downloadable content expected in both Q4 of this year and in 2009, the company would be releasing “at least one major sequel in 2009,” though no further details were given beyond saying the game would be a “triple A sequel.”

[Take-Two financials: “Major” Rockstar sequel for 2009]

Lost Planet Colonies Announced: Not for PlayStation 3

In a new magazine scan, Capcom finally announces Lost Planet Colonies, except it is not for PlayStation 3. I remember Capcom releasing Devil May Cry 4 as a multiplatform title to make "its titles available to as wide an audience as possible". Colonies was announced for the Xbox 360 & PC and should feature cross platform play, lets you play as bugs, and should be out in Japan on May 29, 2008. The scan does however feature Xbox Japan boss Takashi Sensui, so it's not so rock solid yet. We will let you know when we find out.

[Lost Planet Colonies Finally Announced]